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Here's a breakdown of turmeric health benefits

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Turmeric benefits your health in a variety of ways

Enhancing the flavor of food isn’t the only benefit offered by spices. Many varieties, such as turmeric, provide a wide range of potential health benefits. With its anti-inflammatory properties, the use of turmeric for natural medicinal purposes dates back to antiquity in South Asia. Besides adding it to food, many people experience turmeric health benefits by taking it as a supplement. A quality turmeric supplement uses the best ingredients for optimal results.

Shop this article: New Chapter Turmeric SupplementFurther Food Golden Milk Organic Turmeric Powder and MBS Biotechnology Liquid Turmeric

Where does turmeric originate?

The spice is in the ginger family and is derived from turmeric root. It contains the compound curcumin, rich in antioxidants and gives the spice its bright yellow color. The turmeric plant is primarily grown in India, Asia and Central America.

How does turmeric reduce inflammation?

Turmeric’s ability to reduce inflammation is more than just wishful thinking. According to the Mayo Clinic, curcuminoids are vital compounds found in turmeric that are natural anti-inflammatories and may offer positive benefits for certain diseases.

Taking a turmeric supplement is an easy way to add the anti-inflammatory benefits of spice to your diet. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that turmeric should not be used in place of essential medicines to treat diseases. It's important to check with your doctor before taking turmeric supplements.

How is turmeric beneficial?

Inflammation occurs when the body detects injury, illness or bacteria, leading to the immune system emitting cells to promote healing. Over time, prolonged inflammation can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as pain and swelling and result in various diseases like heart issues and cancer. Taking steps to reduce inflammation may lower such risks. While turmeric is not a cure, it may help ease various symptoms and health issues, such as:

Turmeric supplement features

If you are considering adding turmeric to your diet to see if its anti-inflammatory properties work for you, taking a supplement or adding it to food are good ways to start.

Types

Turmeric supplements come in several forms. Turmeric pills or capsules are the most common option, but turmeric powder is also popular. Although not as readily available, you’ll also find turmeric in liquid, tablet, soft gel and gummy forms.

If you have difficulties swallowing capsules, consider one of the other available forms of turmeric. What’s more, if you choose turmeric powder, you can easily consume this versatile option by mixing it with food or beverages.

Strength

The potency of most turmeric supplements is measured in milligrams and ranges from approximately 500 to 1,500 milligrams in each dose. The strength of powdered turmeric is typically measured in teaspoons or grams.

Absorption

Absorption is vital to getting the health benefits of turmeric, which can be a challenge if not consumed properly. Curcumin doesn’t absorb very well into the bloodstream, but pairing it with other foods can help.

Good fats like those found in lean meat, fish, nuts and avocado increase the absorption rate of the important compounds in the spice. Additionally, black pepper promotes its absorption by stimulating hydrochloric acid in the gut.

While adding these absorption boosters to your diet is an excellent way to get the most out of turmeric, some turmeric supplements are formulated with ingredients like coconut oil and black pepper to increase their effectiveness. Additionally, some turmeric supplements also contain probiotics that promote digestion, which in turn improves absorption.

How much can you expect to spend on turmeric supplements?

Turmeric supplements that cost less than $7 are available but may not be very potent and don’t contain premium ingredients. You’ll find the best options for $7 to $25, with top-quality supplements by recognizable brands falling on the higher end of the price spectrum.

If you plan to purchase turmeric powder, prices vary depending on the ounces in the package. However, on average, you’ll pay $5 to $10 for a package that contains 4 to 8 ounces and $10 or more up for bulk options or powdered turmeric with multiple ingredients.

Tips for getting the health benefits of turmeric

  • Don’t like taking capsules? Try supplementing your diet with turmeric powder that’s easy to mix with food or beverages.
  • Always take a turmeric supplement as directed on the packaging. Don’t exceed 8 grams of the spice per day.
  • Check with your doctor before you begin taking turmeric for any health condition.
  • For the best absorption, choose a turmeric supplement that contains black pepper.
  • If you are a vegetarian, you’ll be pleased to know that many turmeric supplements are made with only plant-based ingredients.

What are the best turmeric supplements to buy?

New Chapter Turmeric Supplement

This quality turmeric supplement uses hundreds of compounds, so no black pepper is needed for optimal absorption.

Further Food Golden Milk Organic Turmeric Powder

This organic powder contains raw turmeric, adaptogenic herbs and superfoods containing anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Black pepper is included for maximum absorption. The 100% natural formula adds rich flavor to lattes, soups, stews, smoothies and more.

Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Joint Health Supplement

These high-end capsules contain a bioavailable liquid turmeric formula, plus additional herbs, such as ginger and boswellia, to aid joint health.

MBS Biotechnology Liquid Turmeric

Anyone who doesn’t like to take capsules may appreciate this supplement's liquid formula. It's extra-strength, with 1,100 milligrams of turmeric per serving.

Nutricost Turmeric Capsules

These turmeric capsules are easy to swallow and have a high curcuminoid content. They also contain black pepper, so you get the most benefits with each dose.

Nature's Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin with BioPerine

This extra-strength turmeric curcumin supplement is blended with BioPerine and black pepper for absorption.

Caribou Nutrition Liquid Turmeric Curcumin

This liquid supplement is easy to absorb and has added BioPerine for optimal bioavailability. It’s simple to mix with shakes, smoothies and other nutritional drinks too.

BeLive Turmeric Curcumin With Black Pepper and Ginger Gummies

These tasty turmeric gummies have a tropical flavor to them. Each serving of two gummies contains 300 milligrams of natural turmeric root extract, 50 milligrams of ginger root extract and 10 milligrams of black pepper extract. 

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Jennifer Manfrin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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